By Anne Patterson, LCPC and Art Therapist
Recently, I was invited to meet with SamaraCare’s Board of Directors to offer insights about my work as an art therapist. SamaraCare creates opportunities for board members to learn directly from clinicians to deepen their understanding of the organization’s mission and impact.
For my presentation, I facilitated an art therapy activity designed to give board members firsthand experience of the type of work I do with clients. I provided a variety of collage images and invited participants to select those that reflected why they chose to serve on our board. Together, they collaborated to arrange the images on three canvases, creating a collective visual representation of their motivations, values, and commitment to SamaraCare’s mission.
The finished pieces showcase the power of artmaking to communicate rich, emotional, and thought-provoking messages. I am sharing them here to celebrate the dedication of SamaraCare’s Board of Directors, highlight the organization’s mission, and deepen understanding of the transformative potential of art therapy.
The images below reflect meaningful themes that emerged during our discussion. The first image encourages us to keep our “eye on the ball”, to focus on what matters most, and to live our values with intention. It also speaks to the importance of embracing our stories with confidence, recognizing that our experiences shape who we are and how we serve others.
The second image conveys belonging. The dove breaking free symbolizes liberation from the stigma and barriers that often prevent people from seeking mental health care. As it moves toward new possibilities, it represents accessible care that respects each person’s unique faith and cultural experience.
The third image reflects the impact of SamaraCare’s donor-funded programs. These programs provide mental health counseling to individuals regardless of their insurance status or financial circumstances. Through partnerships with organizations such as Bridge Communities, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, and Bare Necessities, we help strengthen our community and create opportunities for people to thrive.
I’ve been with SamaraCare for five months, and my work in art therapy has been both meaningful and impactful. I encourage anyone curious to explore it—it can be a powerful way to process emotions, reduce stress, work through complex experiences, and sometimes find a sense of closure in significant life events.
Art therapy is also deeply rooted in social practice, where creating together fosters connection, community, and shared purpose. Throughout history, artmaking has carried powerful messages about culture, politics, and society. This is reflected in the story of Anjanette Young, our Imagine Stronger Breakfast Benefit speaker, who transformed her experience of trauma through advocacy and writing.
We are grateful to continue our work and to all who support SamaraCare’s mission. Whether donor, client, volunteer, or community member, every connection matters. I look forward to growing SamaraCare’s art therapy offerings and supporting healing across the communities we serve.
